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Jigsaw Performing Arts - Drama • Singing • Dance

The Jigsaw Blog

Jigsaw Comes to Plumstead!

08 March 2019

Plumstead is a busy London suburb just south of the Thames. It boasts itself as the birth place many a famous name including Blue and Eastenders star Lee Ryan, former JLS band member Martin Humes and if you go back far enough, is even mentioned in the Doomsday Book! But something big is on the horizon, that’s right, you’ve guessed it! Jigsaw Performing Arts Schools is coming to Plumstead! We are so excited to be able to share the joy of the performing arts with so many more young people, and who better to tell us all about it than the school’s manager and franchisee Hannah Potter.

What sparked your interest in the Performing Arts?

When I was little I loved to sing, dance and act along to my favourite Disney films. Every Saturday morning, I would be in the living room performing away. When I was in my last year of primary school, I was given the main role of Joseph in our production of Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat. The feeling this gave me was immeasurable and that was it, I understood then that performing meant something very special to me. I was so proud when my family came to watch, and it was such a great experience performing alongside all of my friends.

What was it that drew you to Jigsaw?

I applied for a job at Jigsaw Arts in 2013. I felt so strongly connected to their ethos that we can build young people’s confidence and happiness through the performing arts. When looking through their website and seeing all of the different performances they did, how excited the children were, and also the network of schools across London and the Home Counties, I was totally impressed! I thought I would love to work for them! Jigsaw has always had such a professional but extremely fun work ethic, which is just the balance you need. Ever since my first day until now, I have felt extremely lucky to be a part of such a nurturing and supportive company. This filters down to our teachers and students every weekend and in each performance, it is a hub of creativity, excitement and so much fun.

Singing, Dancing or Drama? Which is your favourite?

I have always had a passion for singing, but I have to say I really love all three! In some ways they all intertwine but you have so many differing skills you can learn from each. Performing a song, dance or scene on stage has always given me the greatest buzz and seeing this in our students, is one of the heart-warming experiences.

What will your Jigsaw school bring to the people of Plumstead?

Jigsaw Plumstead will bring a performing arts school for the community! A happy, nurturing and exciting place in which our students can really find themselves. Somewhere that not only supports our students in their singing, dance and drama skills but in their life skills! Professional shows and presentations for all ages that really pack the fun and teaches them something new about the performing arts every term! Technique terms where we can explore so many different genres of dance, music and acting. Working with our imaginations, props and technology to create a very well-rounded idea of all the different styles of performing! Meeting and making friends with people who you wouldn’t have otherwise met, from our local schools to further afield. A memorable school, which supports our students if they would like to take the performing arts more seriously in life. A set of skills which can be used not only for life but jobs and careers. Jigsaw Plumstead will bring a place to belong for all our students and somewhere for them to thrive.

What do you hope to inspire in the young people who will attend your school?

That there isn’t anything or anyone you cannot be. That you have so much power! You are unique, brilliant and have the confidence to shine brightly in all areas of your life. To love the performing arts! To use the performing arts as a tool in each and every day in order to support you in becoming the very best of yourself that you can be.